We Can Do readers will note that this conference is not specifically focused on disability issues or even on developing countries. But both issues could easily be incorporated into proposed papers and presentations. This conference could be an opportunity to bring disability issues to the attention of people in the field who might not ordinarily think to integrate them into their work.

Crisis as an Opportunity:
Organizational and Professional Responses to Disasters

Thursday, January 8th – Friday, January, 9th, 2009
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
Co-Sponsors: Ben Gurion University Department of Social Work
and
Rutgers University School of Social Work

The conference addresses various aspects in the development of long-term interventions following natural and human-made disasters. These issues will be addressed in a multidisciplinary approach, across various fields and perspectives. The aim is to explore theoretical issues as well as best practices in post-disaster situations focusing on the role of local NGOS (LNGOS) and international NGOs (INGOS) and professionals. We hope to bring together academics and practitioners, engage local and international existing networks, and create an arena for forging partnerships.

The conference will include selected plenary sessions and parallel panel sessions and workshops. Presentation proposals are welcome with the following foci:

Practice focus
A presentation that describes innovative or exemplary practices or programs in the community, in workplaces, in education institutions and the like. This may take the form of case studies, narratives, demonstrations or technical reports. The outcomes of practice may be improved frameworks, concepts, understandings or structures, such as enhanced capacity through the development of skills, knowledge and operational effectiveness.

Research focus
A presentation reporting upon original research, based on the systematic collection and analysis of data or facts.

Theory focus
A presentation, which is broad and generalizing in its emphasis, reflecting upon and systematically referenced against one or more bodies of literature or systems of thought.

Themes to be included in the conference are:

• Models for long-term interventions
• Community, organizational and institutional development,
• Mobilization and management of volunteers
• Social entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs
• Practitioners’ burn-out
• Human-made and natural disasters – similarities and
differences
• Cooperation between INGOs and LNGOs
• Transfer of knowledge and best practices across settings
• Cross-cultural challenges in international cooperation
• The role of academics and researchers

Proposal Types
Individual 20-minute presentation
A 20 minute speaker presentation, which will be followed by 10 minutes for questions and discussion. Proposals for individual presentations should include the 200-300 words abstract of the presentation, the author’s name, e-mail address, contact phone number, and organizational affiliation. Parallel sessions will include up to four individual presentations.

90-Minute Panels
Proposals are welcome for full panel sessions. Such proposals should include the theme of the panel, a 200 word abstract of the panel as a whole, the chair’s name, e-mail address, contact phone number, and organizational affiliation. The names and contact information of all proposed presenters should be specified, as well, and a 200 word long abstract for each presentation included.

Workshops
Proposals are welcome for 90 minute workshops. Such proposals should include the facilitators name, e-mail address, contact phone number, and organizational affiliation. A 200-300 word description of the workshop should specify the aim of the workshop and the practical skills it may teach, the techniques applied, the optimal number of participants, as well as equipment or teaching aids needed.

Submission of Proposals
The deadline for submission of proposals is September 15, 2008. Notification of acceptance will be made by October 12, 2008. Selected presenters will be asked to submit a draft of their paper by December 15th, 2008 and will be considered for inclusion in an edited book that is expected to be published following the conference.

The conference is sponsored by Department of Social Work at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the School of Social Work of Rutgers—The State University of New Jersey in cooperation with local and international NGOs

Contact person for submission of proposals: Dr. Roni Kaufman ronika@bgu.ac.il
We Can Do received this announcement via Gallaudet University’s Social Work Department email distribution list. Inquiries related to this conference, as well as submissions of proposals, should please be directed to Dr. Roni Kaufman, NOT to We Can Do.

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The Mwanza Computer Literacy Project

The Tusaidiane Disabilities Resources and Charity Organization of Tanzania (TDRCT) would like to improve computer literacy and self-employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Mwanza, Tanzania, and promote their empowerment.

This organization is run by people who themselves have disabilities. I have known the man who founded this organization for some years. If his organization can quickly raise $5000 from 40 donors within a few days, then GlobalGiving will feature their organization on its website. This will enable them to attract more prospective funders. I have made a donation to them, I hope others will consider doing the same.

Help the U.S. Ratify the Disability Treaty!

Learn why the CRPD matters and how to take action at www.disabilitytreaty.org!